Modules Covered
This course provides comprehensive knowledge on maintaining online anonymity and privacy. Below are the modules covered:
Module 1 — Foundations of Digital Anonymity
- Explain anonymity, privacy, and pseudonymity, and how they differ.
- Why digital anonymity matters for regular users, journalists, and activists.
- Understand legal and ethical boundaries of staying anonymous online.
- Introduce threat modelling: who might track you and why.
Module 2 — How the Internet Tracks You
- What a digital footprint is and how it is created.
- How IP addresses, MAC addresses, and device identifiers reveal identity.
- Browser fingerprinting, tracking scripts, and metadata: what they collect and why it matters.
- Practical ways to audit your own footprint safely.
Module 3 — Understanding the Dark Web
- Define the Dark Web and distinguish it from Deep Web and Surface Web.
- Myths vs realities of the Dark Web and its legitimate uses.
- Overview of common .onion sites (news, privacy tools) and their purposes.
- How Tor enables privacy and anonymity for accessing hidden services.
Module 4 — Methods for Achieving Anonymity
- Overview of VPNs, proxies, and Tor — strengths and limitations.
- Use of burner emails/IDs for separating identities online.
- Secure operating systems (Tails, Whonix, Qubes OS) and why they matter.
- Combining methods for layered anonymity (defense in depth).
Module 5 — Tools and Software for Anonymity
- Anonymous browsers and privacy-enhancing extensions.
- Encrypted messaging/voice apps and anonymous email providers.
- Browser add-ons and privacy-focused search engines.
- Checklist of must-have privacy tools for beginners.
Module 6 — Live vs Virtualized Operating Systems
- Differences between live OS and virtualized OS for anonymity.
- Benefits, limitations, and safe use of Tails, Whonix, and Qubes OS.
- How virtualization adds an extra layer of isolation.
Module 7 — Risks, Ethics & Legal Considerations
- Common mistakes that break anonymity and how to avoid them.
- Ethics of anonymity: when it’s appropriate and when it crosses lines.
- Global legal landscape: anonymity rights vs restrictions.
- Responsible, rights-based use of anonymity tools.
Module 8 — How Anonymity Tools Work (Technical Overview)
- VPN basics: tunnelling, encryption, and masking IP addresses.
- Tor architecture: onion routing and relay nodes explained simply.
- How secure messaging and anonymous browsers protect identity.
- Metadata stripping tools and their role in privacy.
Module 9 — Simulations & Practical Exercises
- Safely use a VPN to mask your IP and test for DNS leaks.
- Send a secure anonymous email using recommended providers.
- Chat anonymously with encrypted messengers.
- Practice privacy-focused web searches.
Module 10 — Deploying Your Own VPN Server
- Understand why self-hosting a VPN server increases control.
- Walk-through (conceptual) of setting up a WireGuard VPN server ethically.
- Security and maintenance tips for your personal VPN deployment.